Troy & Libby Travel

14/12/2024

SOUTH DAKOTA TRAVEL ITINERARY 🇺🇸

This autumn we set out on an adventure exploring the national parks of South Dakota. We loved every minute of this trip, there is so much more to South Dakota than most think. 🏞️

Places that you can not miss 👇🏽

Wall
📍 Badlands Frontier Cabins (Accommodation)
🥘 Red Rock, Badlands Saloon & Grille (Both dog friendly).
Wall is the perfect base for exploring The Badlands. This little town however, has a great strip that transforms you back to the cowboy age. Check out Wall Drug Store, it’s great to look around!

Custer
📍Chalet Motel (Accommodation)
🥘 The Custer Wolf, Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company, Maria’s Mexican, Pizza Mill and Miner’s Cup (best coffee!).
Custer is the perfect base for exploring Custer State Park, Wildlife Loop, The Needles Highway, Slyvan Lake, Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore.

The highlights of a South Dakota road trip:
- The Badlands
- Custer State Park
- The Wildlife Loop (Custer State Park)
- The Needles Highway
- Slyvan Lake
- Mount Rushmore

08/12/2024

🎄 This is the perfect Christmas shopping spot just an hour from London 🎄

has always been a Christmas tradition of ours. 🎅🏼 The magical Christmas aesthetic really gets you in the spirit and is the perfect spot for gift inspiration.

Whether it’s christmas shopping or just a day out, there is something for everyone. Enjoy a delicious lunch at and a coffee break at ☕️

Where’s your favourite Christmas Shopping spot? 🎄🎁🎅🏼

For reference, it is around an our train from London. Under an hour drive from the Surrey Hills. And we often do a day trip here from West Yorkshire, which takes around 3 hours one way.

{Days trips from London. Christmas shopping spots an hour from London. Christmas in Oxfordshire. The best shopping spots in Oxfordshire.}

29/11/2024

✨ You’re going to want to save this for later! ✨

Paris… the city of love. Isn’t only just for Valentine’s Day and Summer. The vibrant city has so much to offer this time of year.

From sparkling Christmas lights every street you stroll down to Christmas markets spread across the city. Paris really is underrated this time of year! 🎄

📌 Scroll through our carousel to discover a list of the best things to do in Paris throughout November & December.

Call us bias as we already love Paris anytime of year but there’s just something about this magical city around Christmas.

I mean window shopping at Galeries Lafayette is extraordinary this time of year. The creativeness of the displays really brings the magic into Christmas. 🎅🏼

❄️ Will you be going on any city breaks on the lead up to Christmas? ❄️

We certainly will be making a trip to Paris one year on the run up to Christmas. 🎄✨🎅🏼

21/11/2024

Get Christmassy in Edinburgh this year 🎅🏼🎄

Save this if you want to make the most out of your Edinburgh Christmas city break! 📍

Edinburgh is such a beautiful city. It will forever be one of our favourite cities. It just has the magical touch that makes everyone want to return! The city has so much to offer! However it can be overwhelming trying to fit everything in and not miss out.

Here are our top 10 things to see and do on your city break :
• Visit Edinburgh Castle (Even if it’s just walking in the courtyard, it’s a magical experience).
• Walk down Victoria Street (Diagon Alley for the Harry Potter fans. Go to the Museum of Context it’s free and you won’t regret it! 🧙)
• Visit the and/or for breakfast. (We recommend both as they are delicious! The first is best for a traditional Scottish breakfast and second is great for quirky dishes.)
• Walk down the Royal Mile
• Princess Street Gardens (For the Christmas Market! 🎄)
• Visit Dean Village (A peaceful walk around Dean Village has you forgetting you are in a city!)
• Have a cocktail in (So beautiful at Christmas!)
• Become a wizard and make a cocktail potion .magic
• Learn the history of the city by taking a guided tour, especially the vaults tour!
• It would be rude to not have some haggis and whisky at the

There is so much more to see and do but the list would be very long! But take our word on that Edinburgh must be added to your bucket list!

Follow for more 🏰


{European city breaks you must try this Christmas. Edinburgh tourist guide to make the most of your trip. The best spots throughout Edinburgh. Cities to visit this Christmas. Best Christmas markets in the UK.}

14/11/2024

We’ve found the best photo ops at this popular historic landmark, seen in many movies! 🎥

We visited the famous Mount Rushmore last month on our road trip around South Dakota. And let us tell you… it did NOT disappoint. It is such an incredible historic place, no wonder it is used so much in movies. Due to its history and popularity however it is a very busy place!

We explored the site and found the best photo opportunity spots without the huge crowds.

📌 Save this post to get the best photo spots on your visit to Mount Rushmore!

When you walk up to the ‘Lincoln Borglum’ take the presidential trail to the left. Along this trail you will find some of the best spots. We have roughly labelled these spots with a camera icon on the map of the trail! (This is the last photo).

Are you planning on visiting Mouth Rushmore? 🏞️



{USA national parks that you must see once in your life. USA memorial parks you must visit. Mount Rushmore guide for first timers. Mount Rushmore history and beauty. The best memorials across the US. USA film locations.}

04/11/2024

We’ll always visit Sicily out of season & here’s why 👇🏽

Sicily is such a beautiful Italian island and we visited during December last year! The festive season is such a magical time of year to experience how they celebrate.🎄

In Licata, they had a big Christmas festival where all the locals came out to celebrate. Palermo did some of the best Pantones… the pistachio one was delicious 🤤

These are our reasons for why you should travel out of the peak season:
- Traveling out of season often means fewer crowds.
- Lower prices compared to high season.
- More authentic experience.
- Allows you to explore destinations more peacefully and economically.

📍Cefalù, Palermo, and Licata in Sicily

Where’s your favourite place to go out of season? Sicily was one of our top places 🌴

18/10/2024

Morning magic in the Badlands ✨🌄

It’s a rare occasion that we make it to watch a sunrise as we are more of a sunset type of couple.

But the Badlands at sunrise made it feel like we were stepping into another world. It really has changed a view on sunrises! Especially when they look as good as this. ✨

Are you a sunrise or sunset lover? 🫶🏼 Maybe both, like us now!

📌 The Badlands Scenic Loop



{Best places to watch the sunrise in the US. Where and when to watch the sunrise. Sunrise over the Badlands in South Dakota. The best sunrise in the mid west.}

18/10/2024

We've just got back from the best week away exploring South Dakota. If you know us, you will know that we love to explore lesser known areas. This passion brought us to South Dakota. Whilst here we teamed up with Get Your Guide. To assist us on our road trip around South Dakota we used a self guided audio tour. …...

We’ve just got back from the best week away exploring South Dakota. If you know us, you will know that we love to explore lesser known areas. This passion brought us to South Dakota. Whilst h…

09/10/2024

These are some of the best National Parks across America 🌲🍂

✨We’ve teamed up with to explore the Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and the Black Hills.✨

These National Parks truly are incredible and out of this world. Through Get Your Guide, we have downloaded a self-guided tour to accompany us on our road trip through South Dakota! 🪵🍁

The perks of a self guided tour:
- You download the tour through which talks you through the road trip.
- There are 535+ audio points with stories, tips and directions based on where you are.
- It is flexible so you go at your own pace.
- It’s a one time purchase so you can use again!
- It uses GPS satellites to determine your location. So don’t worry about no cell signal.
- it’s just a fun way to explore.

Also included in this self tour is Rapid City, Devils Tower and Spearfish Loop including Deadwood. 🤠

Have you ever tried a self guided tour before?

04/10/2024

Fall is officially here! 🍂🍁

We’ve created a list of destinations that offer unique blends of culture, scenery, and seasonal activities! To enjoy this time of year.

Here is our list of some of the best places to visit this fall: 🎃

Edinburgh, Scotland: The city’s historic charm shines in the fall, with beautiful colors in Holyrood Park and various cultural events. Edinburgh is one of our favourite cities, the atmosphere is great!

New England, USA: Famous for its stunning fall foliage, especially in states like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

Florence, Italy: I think we’d love Italy any time of year! But this time of year enjoy fewer crowds, beautiful fall colors in the Tuscan countryside, and the harvest season in local vineyards.

Napa Valley, California: Perfect for wine lovers, with vineyards showcasing their harvest and stunning fall colors. We will definitely be visiting this one as wine lovers!

Munich, Germany: Experience Oktoberfest, great food, and beautiful autumn scenery. Oktoberfest is such a fun festival! If you like beer and bratwurst then you’re in the right place.

Kyoto, Japan: The temples and gardens are breathtaking in the fall, with vibrant colors and cultural festivals.

Banff National Park, Canada: We’ve been seeing this incredible national park all over our social media recently! Banff offers gorgeous landscapes and hiking opportunities amid stunning fall colors. It’s on our bucket list!

Savannah, Georgia: Enjoy the charming architecture and mild weather, along with fall festivals.

Prague, Czech Republic: The historic architecture combined with autumn leaves creates a magical atmosphere, especially in places like Petřín Hill.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: The canals and parks, like Vondelpark, are beautiful with autumn colors, and the city has a relaxed vibe in fall. Just imagine riding around the city on a bike taking in all the views. Then stopping at the little coffee shops, our perfect kind of city break.

Will you be visiting any of these this fall? 🍂🍁🎃

(The best destination to experience the autumnal season. Where to visit in fall. Autumn season is here.)

02/10/2024

This is your reminder that London will look like this in a couple of months 🎄

📌 Save this post for your next London Christmas trip!

We always love a trip to London, especially when it is coming round to Christmas time. There is just something magical, walking around London decorated for the festive season 🎄

Here are some of our favourite spots in London to see on the lead up to Christmas:

• Enjoy a stroll around Covent Garden, so beautiful around Christmas. They have “snowfall” on the hour, every hour! ❄️
• Window shop at luxury department stores, Harrods & Fortnum & Masons. Check out their Christmas shop, these are a whole experience in themselves.
• Explore & have fun at Winter Wonderland. Get tickets early to get a better price!
• Have a festive drink or two at Leicester Square’s Christmas Market.
• See the giant Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square.
• Try ice skating at Canary Wharf.
• Get into the Harry Potter mood by visiting Hogwarts in the snow.
• It wouldn’t be a trip to London without seeing the Christmas lights. Our favourite spot is on Regent Street.

There are so many things in London to do that will get you in the festive spirit! 🎄⛸️❄️

19/09/2024

✨ Dreaming of a magical escape where fairy tales meet fine dining and thrilling adventures? ✨

Disneyland Paris isn’t just for the kids - it’s a haven for adults seeking enchantment, with world-class entertainment, luxurious experiences, and a touch of romance.

Whether you’re a couple looking for a getaway or simply a fan of Disney magic, there’s a whole new side to Disneyland Paris waiting for you to explore.

We’ve just got back from an amazing trip to and can’t wait to share our tips, tricks and recommendations with you 🧚‍♀️

Ready to rediscover the magic? ✨ Dive into our ultimate guide to Disneyland Paris for adults, available on thetandldiaries.co.uk (link in bio). Unlock the tips and secrets to creating your perfect, grown-up Disney adventure.

🧚‍♀️ Follow for upcoming Disneyland itineraries and tips on how to make the most of your adventure. 🧚‍♀️

Best tips for adults visiting Disneyland Paris. | How to plan a Disneyland Paris trip for adults. | Disneyland Paris for couples: what you need to know. | The ultimate Disneyland Paris guide for adult travellers. | A grown-up guide to Disneyland Paris magic.

19/09/2024

Let's be honest, who doesn't love Disney? There is something for everyone, from rides to entertainment to great food. And what was once seen as something that only children can enjoy has changed! From our previous trip, we realised that there was more couples, or adult friendship groups than children there. Though it was outside of the school holidays though....

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love Disney? There is something for everyone, from rides to entertainment to great food. And what was once seen as something that only children can enjoy ha…

16/09/2024

✨ So you want to visit Paris? Here’s a guide to the fashion capital ✨

Paris is one of my (Libby’s) favourite cities 🥐 As a little background so of my family lived in France when I was little so I spent many years exploring Paris whenever we visited. And still to this day I will never get bored of visiting this incredible city.

There’s so much to see, so we’ve created a list of our favourite things to do.

Attractions:
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Montmarte
- Arc De Triomphe and Champs-Élysées
- Palace of Versailles

Restaurants:
- Le Relais de I’Entrecôte (Famous for its steak frites)
- Le Bouillion Pigalle
- Bistro Paul Bert
- Chez Janou
- Les Fines Gueules

Best Sweet Treats:
- L’Éclair de Génie de Christophe Adam
- Ladurée
- Chapon et al Choclaterie de I’Eglise
- Café de Flore

This is only a mini guide and we have so much more to come 🍽️🥐 Follow for more!

02/09/2024

🎈Happy Birthday Troy 🎈

Happy September! We’re starting the new month celebrating Troy’s birthday 🎉 Although we may be stuck in a rainy UK right now we’re heading to Paris on Saturday to celebrate.

With it being Troy’s birthday we thought we’d share some memories of our past adventures. And look forward to even more travel adventures to come 🫶🏼

Here’s are some of the places in the pictures ⬇️

🚤 Kingston Upon Thames, London (1)
🌊 Cefalù, Sicily (2)
🌴 Costa Teguise, Lanzarote (3)
🐻 Wentworth, UK (4)
⛪️ Palermo, Sicily (5 & 6)
🚀 Disney World, Florida (7)
🗺️ Marmaris Marina, Türkiye (8)
🏨 King Street Town House, Manchester (9)
🏛️ Rome, Italy (10)

How do you spend your birthdays? 🎂

…

30/08/2024

Dare we say it? I know summer isn't over yet but Autumn is slowly creeping in. And don't get me wrong I love summer but I am so excited for autumn. The thought of pumpkins, hot chocolates, orange trees everywhere... I love it. Which also brings us to, in our opinion, the best time to travel and explore new places! There is nothing worse than wanting to explore a new country or city in summer....

Dare we say it? I know summer isn’t over yet but Autumn is slowly creeping in. And don’t get me wrong I love summer but I am so excited for autumn. The thought of pumpkins, hot chocolat…

23/08/2024

✨ These are the travel apps that we can’t live without! And we suggest you download them for your next adventure ✨

📌 Save for your next adventure

Apps that making your traveling easier? Yes please!

Whether it’s an app to help you navigate your way around a new place, needing a place to stay or wanting to find the best time to book flights? We’ve got you!

These are our top 3 (At the moment) :

1. Cityhopper 🚇

City Hopper is permanently downloads on our phones, definitely if we’re travelling to a new city. It makes exploring so much easier. Just add where you are and where you want to go, then it’ll come up with the best route.

2. Hopper ✈️

You need to check out this app before you book and plan your next trip! This mobile only app tracks the flights to your chosen destination and gives you the advice on when the best time is to buy. It doesn’t tell you when to buy but more a date when the price is likely to rise.

3. Booking.com 🏨

This app is great as it doesn’t all give you the best price for hotels but allows you to book transport, activities etc. This means everything is in one app which can make it a lot easier!

These are just our top 3 at the moment, we do have more than this downloaded and it will change every so often.

Which travel apps would you recommend?